- Researchers build new phage DNA in the lab.
- They can add or remove single genes easily.
- This work helps fight antibacterial resistance in sick patients.
- Scientists modelled two phages in the study.
- The phages attack Mycobacterium bacteria.
- Mycobacterium includes germs for tuberculosis and leprosy.
- DNA has four letters: A, T, C and G.
- These phages have about 65% G and C letters.
- One phage is BPs with 40,000 base pairs.
- The other phage is Bxb1 with 50,000 base pairs.
Difficult words
- researcher — a person who studies or tests in a labResearchers
- phage — a virus that infects bacteriaphages
- gene — a small part of DNA that controls traitsgenes
- antibacterial — used to kill or stop bacteria
- resistance — when bacteria are not killed by medicine
- bacterium — a very small living organism that can cause diseasebacteria
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Would you like to work in a lab?
- Can you name one disease in the article?
- Have you ever seen bacteria or germs?
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